Branched electrical system

ABSTRACT

A branched electrical system is adapted for providing multiple users with access to high and/or low voltage electrical power in work areas or high density seating areas, such as stadium or theater seating, work rooms, lecture halls, and public transportation vehicles. The system includes a main line and a plurality of branch lines, each branch line having at least one high voltage or low voltage electrical receptacle that is accessible to a user located at the seating, such as for powering a portable electronic device. The branch lines may be coupled to the main line via a splice or other electrical-mechanical connection.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/714,805, filed May 18, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/000,427, filed May 19, 2014, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/120,474, filed Feb. 25, 2015, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electrical power systems and, more particularly, to electrical power systems having multiple outlets arranged along a main conductor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need or desire to incorporate electrical power outlets in different locations has increased as portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, and the like have proliferated, since these devices often require frequent charging of onboard batteries. Such devices typically require access to high voltage (e.g., 110V AC or 220V AC) power outlets and/or low voltage (e.g. 2V DC to 12V DC) power outlet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a branched electrical system that supplies electrical power, such as AC power at 110V AC or 220V AC, or DC power in the range of about 2V to 12V, to a plurality of outlets for providing simultaneous access to the power by multiple users with portable electronic devices or the like. To account for voltage drop along a length of DC-energized electrical wiring, one or more power boosters may be coupled along the electrical wiring, which has a plurality of branches from a main line to provide electrical power at different locations that are equipped with electrical outlets along the main line. The branches may be spliced in to the main line, or the branches may be coupled to the main line via respective detachable connectors. The electrical outlets may have any number of different configurations, such as universal serial bus (USB), co-axial connector, 12V automotive-style connector, or the like, and it is envisioned that two or more different receptacles could be provided at an end of each branch, or along a mid portion of a given branch. Optionally, an electronic signal such as an audio signal may be conveyed along the main line to the branches, with access provided at respective receptacles or connectors. It is further envisioned that the receptacles may include weatherproofing covers or design features, such as for use in areas exposed to weather or risk of liquid spills or other contaminants. The low voltage version of the electrical system may be particularly well-suited to providing multiple users with access to low voltage electrical power in high density seating areas, such as stadium or theater seating, lecture halls, commercial aircraft, or the like.

According to one form of the present invention, a branched electrical system includes a main line, a plurality of branch lines coupled to the main line, and electrical receptacles in electrical communication with the main line via the branch lines. The main line has at least two main line electrical conductors, a first end portion electrically coupled to a power source, and a second end portion opposite the first end. The branch lines each have at least two electrical conductors with proximal end portions that are electrically coupled to respective ones of the main line electrical conductors. The branch lines further include respective distal end portions that are spaced away from the main line and the proximal end portions. An electrical receptacle is disposed at each of the distal end portions of the electrical conductors of the branch lines. The electrical receptacle is configured to engage an electrical connector of a portable electrical or electronic device.

In one aspect, the system further includes a DC electrical converter disposed between the power source and the first end of the main line. The DC electrical converter is operable to convert a high voltage AC power input at the power source to a low voltage DC power output at the first end portion of the main line.

In another aspect, at least one DC power booster is electrically coupled to the main line between the first end portion and the second end portion thereof.

In yet another aspect, a first plurality of the branch lines and a corresponding first plurality of the electrical receptacles are electrically coupled to the main line between the first end portion and the DC power booster, while a second plurality of the branch lines and a corresponding second plurality of the electrical receptacles are electrically coupled to the main line between the DC power booster and the second end portion.

In still another aspect, each of the proximal end portions of the electrical conductors of the branch lines are electrically coupled to the respective ones of the main line electrical conductors via an electrical splice connection. Optionally, an overmolded body is formed or disposed around each of the electrical splice connections.

In a further aspect, the branched electrical system includes a plurality of first electrical connectors disposed along the main line, and a plurality of second electrical connectors disposed at the proximal end portions of the branch lines. The second electrical connectors are configured to engage the first electrical connectors to thereby establish an electrical connection from the main line to each of the electrical receptacles.

In a still further aspect, the second electrical connectors are detachable from the first electrical connectors.

In another aspect, the electrical connectors include low voltage electrical connectors including at least one chosen from (i) a USB connector, (ii) a co-axial connector, and (iii) an automotive 12V connector. Optionally, at least one of the electrical connectors is an audio connector.

In a further aspect, the branched electrical system is combined with high density seating, such as stadium or arena seating, theater seating, or commercial vehicle seating. Optionally, the high density seating includes a plurality of seating surfaces and a plurality of armrests disposed between the seating surfaces. The electrical receptacles include low voltage DC receptacles mounted at respective ones of the armrests. Optionally, at least two of the low voltage electrical receptacles are mounted in each of the armrests. Optionally, the low voltage electrical receptacles are at least partially recessed in the armrests.

In yet another aspect, the electrical receptacles include high voltage AC receptacles. Optionally, the electrical receptacles include outlet blocks having high voltage AC outlets, low voltage DC outlets, and DC transformers in communication with the low voltage DC outlets and the electrical conductors of the branch lines.

In still another aspect, the branched electrical system includes an overmolded branch junction where each of the branch lines couples to the main line, and an optional C-shaped resilient clip may be provided for releasably engaging the overmolded branch junction, to facilitate securing the overmolded branch junctions to a work surface.

Thus, the branched electrical system of the present invention provides multiple users in with access to high or low voltage receptacles for charging portable electronic devices and/or supplying power to other power consumers, such as lamps, headphones, and the like. The branched electrical system may be particularly well-suited to providing multiple users with access to electrical power in high density seating areas, such as stadium or theater seating, lecture halls, and public transportation vehicles. By adding power boosters along a main line of a low voltage DC embodiment of the system, the length of the low voltage system can be extended to substantially any desired length.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a low voltage branched electrical system in accordance with the present invention, shown in a section of high density stadium or theater seating;

FIG. 2 provides two enlarged views of the area designated II in FIG. 1, showing two different options for low-voltage connections;

FIG. 3 provides four enlarged views of the area designated III in FIG. 1, showing four different options for low-voltage electrical connectors in an armrest portion of the seating;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a work table with a high and low voltage branched electrical system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the work table and electrical system of FIG. 4, including enlarged views of a branch junction;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the branched electrical system of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another high and low voltage branched electrical system configured for hard-wiring and with armored cables;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another high and low voltage branched electrical system configured for modular installation;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the branch junction in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the branch junction;

FIGS. 12A-12E depict six sequential steps of forming the branch junction;

FIGS. 13-17 are perspective views of different branch junctions;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a high voltage branched electrical system;

FIGS. 19A-19D are enlarged views depicting four sequential steps of installing an electrical outlet at the end of a branch at the area designated XIX in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the high voltage branched electrical system of FIG. 18, in which each branch end includes an electrical outlet;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a modular outlet assembly that is compatible for use with the high voltage branched electrical system of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a high voltage AC grommet-style outlet that is compatible for use with the high voltage branched electrical system of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a low voltage DC grommet-style outlet that is compatible for use with either of the low voltage branched electrical system of FIG. 1 and the high voltage branched electrical system of FIGS. 18; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a 3-outlet high voltage AC power strip that is compatible for use with the high voltage branched electrical system of FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A branched electrical system is configurable to provide multiple user with access to electrical power in different environments including indoor work areas, public transit vehicles (e.g., buses, trains, ferries, commercial aircraft), auditoriums or theaters, indoor or outdoor stadiums or arenas, bleachers, or the like. The branched electrical systems may be configured to carry high voltage electrical power, such as 110V AC or 220V AC power, or may be configured to carry low voltage electrical power, such as about 2V DC to about 12V DC. In still other embodiments, a branched electrical system can be configured to carry or provide access to both high voltage AC power outlets and low voltage DC power outlets. This can be accomplished by providing one or more DC transformers at each branched electrical system, or by providing the branched electrical system with both high and low voltage conductors for the respective high and low voltage outlets. In the case of low voltage branched electrical systems having sufficient length that would otherwise result in an unacceptable amount of voltage drop, it is envisioned that a voltage booster may be electrically coupled to the system at a location spaced downstream from an upstream main power source. Moreover, the branched electrical systems are configurable as modular systems in which branches can be added or removed as desired, or may be configured as spliced-together systems in which the number of branches is generally set during manufacturing and not readily modifiable thereafter.

Referring to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a branched low voltage electrical system 10 is configured for mounting along a high density seating row 12 or similar arrangement, and includes a main line 14, a plurality of branch lines 16, and a plurality of low voltage electrical receptacles 18 at the ends of the branch lines (FIG. 1). Main line 14 may extend a substantial length and typically carries low voltage DC power that, in some cases, may exhibit an unacceptable voltage drop along its length, so that it may be desirable to install one or more DC power boosters 20 along main line 14 to maintain a sufficiently high DC voltage at each receptacle 18 that is serviced by main line 14.

Main line 14 has two main line electrical conductors of opposite polarities, and has a first end portion 14 a that is electrically coupled to a power source 22 and a second end portion 14 b opposite the first end portion, such as shown in FIG. 1. For applications where power source 22 is a high voltage AC power source, for example, a DC electrical power converter or power supply 24 may be coupled between power source 22 and main line 14, to supply main line 14 with low voltage electrical power, typically in the range of about 2V to 12V DC, although other voltages are equally possible. Main line 14 may have one or more additional conductors, such as to provide different voltages at different outlets, or to provide an electrical ground. Moreover, it is envisioned that it may be sufficient to provide only a single wire conductor of one polarity, while the opposite polarity is provided by electrically conductive structure associated with seating 12, similar to the arrangement that is common to automotive or other vehicular electrical systems.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, DC electrical converter 24 is disposed between the power source 22, which is a hardwired connection to a high voltage AC circuit (such as at 110V or 220V AC), and the first end portion 14 a of main line 14, so that DC electrical converter 24 converts a high voltage AC power input at the power source 22 to a low voltage DC power output at the first end portion 14 a of main line 14. It is further envisioned that low voltage electrical system 10 may be coupled to a power supply via a conventional plug for connecting to a conventional AC wall outlet or floor outlet, instead of a hardwired connection, or may instead be supplied with power from a DC power source such as a battery, photovoltaic cells, combinations of the above, or the like. DC power booster 20 is electrically coupled along the main line 14 between the first end portion 14 a and the second end portion 14 b. Optionally, additional DC power boosters may be placed at desired intervals along main line 14, to extend main line 14 to substantially any desired length. For example, main line 14 may supply power to a first set of branch lines 16 and a corresponding set of low voltage electrical receptacles 18 between first end portion 14 a and DC power booster 20, while a second set of branch lines 16 and a corresponding set of low voltage electrical receptacles 18 are electrically coupled to the main line 14 between DC power booster 20 and second or distal end portion 14 b of main line 14.

Branch lines 16 each have two electrical conductors with proximal end portions 16 a that are electrically coupled to the electrical conductors of main line 14. Branch lines 16 have distal end portions 16 b that are spaced away from main line 14 and the proximal end portions 16 a. Low voltage electrical receptacles 18 are disposed at distal end portions 16 b of branch lines 16, and are mounted at or along a portion of seating 12, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Low voltage electrical receptacles 18 are configured to engage and supply power to a low voltage electrical connector of a portable electronic device, such as a hand-held computer, a tablet device, a mobile phone, laptop computer, a small appliance such as a low voltage lamp, audio headphones, or the like. For example, receptacles 18 may take the form of a USB-style low voltage DC connector, a co-axial DC connector, an automotive 12V connector, or the like. Optionally, the low voltage electrical receptacles or outlets may be fitted with weatherproofing covers or other weather-resistant design features, or with tamper-resistant design features, such as for use in areas that are exposed to weather or have an increased risk of liquid spills or other contaminants.

Branch lines 16 are electrically coupled at their proximal end portions 16 a to main line 14 at respective electrical splice connections 26 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, at left) or, optionally, the branch lines 16 may be electrically coupled to main line 14 via a modular connector arrangement 28 including a first connector 28 a (such as a female connector) associated with main line 14 and a second connector 28 b (such as a male connector) associated with branch line 16, such as shown in FIG. 2, at right. In the case of splice connections 26, the electrical connections between the individual electrical conductors may be housed or contained within respective overmolded bodies 30 (at left in FIG. 2) that permanently seal, protect, and provide strain relief for the electrical connections throughout the life of the low voltage electrical system. Overmolded bodies 30 may be substantially solid rubber or polymeric material that is molded directly over and around the spliced electrical connections and around an outer insulating jacket of main line 14 on either side of the respective splice. However, it is envisioned that other types of protective housings or covers may be used, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the case of modular connector arrangement 28, first connector 28 a may establish a substantially permanent mechanical and electrical connection to second connector 28 b upon full engagement, or may be configured to be removable from second connector 28 b, such as upon depressing a resilient latch tab that normally secures the connectors to one another when they are in use.

As noted above, electrical system 10 is envisioned for use in high-density arrangements such as stadium or arena seating, theater seating, public transit seating, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, high density seating arrangement 12 is configured as stadium, arena, or theater seating, and includes a plurality of seating surfaces 32 with corresponding seatbacks 34 and a plurality of armrests 36 disposed between seating surfaces 32, such as shown in FIG. 1. Low voltage electrical receptacles 18 are mounted at respective ones of the armrests 36, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Different arrangements and/or placement locations of low voltage electrical receptacles 18 are envisioned, such as shown in FIG. 3. For example, a dual-USB outlet 18 a or a quad-USB outlet 18 b may be provided in respective raised housings 38 a, 38 b at an upper surface 40 of a given armrest 36. Another armrest 36 a (FIG. 3) may be configured with an upper surface 40 a having a recessed region 42 with one or more low voltage electrical connectors 18, while another armrest 36 b may be configured with one of dual-USB outlets 18 a disposed in a forward surface 44. Optionally, outlets 18 may be mounted in the seating surfaces, seatbacks, structural components or aesthetic panels, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a high and low voltage branched electrical system 46 is attached to the underside of a work table 48 and includes three branches 50 extending outwardly from a main line 52. Each branch 50 terminates at a respective outlet block or assembly 54 located at a distal end portion 50 a of each branch 50. Main line 52 has a power plug 56 at an upstream end 52 a for receiving power from an upstream power cable or system 46′ (FIG. 4). Main line 52 also has an electrical receptacle 58 at a downstream end 52 b for conveying power to a downstream electrical cable or system 46″ (FIG. 5). Each branch 50 is electrically and mechanically coupled to main line 52 at a branch junction 60 through which passes electrical conductors of main line 52, and from which branch electrical conductors extend, as will be described in more detail below.

Optionally, branch junctions 60 are releasably securable to an underside of work table 48 via resilient C-shaped clips 62 (FIG. 5, enlarged views). Clips 62 have generally straight or planar central portions 62 a that engage table 48, and may be secured to the table using mechanical fasteners such as threaded screws, rivets, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or the like. Clips 62 have curved opposite end portions 62 b on either side of central portion 62 a, which curved end portions 62 b are configured to extend partially around respective sides of a central body portion 60 a of branch junction 60. Clips 62 may be made of resilient material such as spring steel, resinous plastic, or the like, so that curved end portions 62 b can be spread apart to receive central body portion 60 a, and then released so that curved end portions 62 b grasp or clamp onto central body portion 60 a. In the illustrated embodiment, central body portion 60 a includes a recess 64 on each side thereof (also shown in FIGS. 9-11), which is sized and shaped to receive a respective one of curved end portions 62 b so that central body portion 60 a will be substantially secured without slipping relative to its respective clip 62.

In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 4-8, each outlet block or assembly 54 includes a high voltage AC receptacle 66 and a pair of USB-style low voltage DC receptacles 68. Each outlet block 54 is supplied with high voltage AC power via a respective branch 50, and contains a DC transformer (not shown) for converting the AC power input received by outlet block 54 into a low voltage DC output at low voltage DC receptacles 68. AC receptacle 66 is supplied with power directly from the conductors of branch 50. However, it will be appreciated that the output voltage at AC receptacle 66 may be changed as desired using electrical circuitry, as is known in the art. Outlet block assemblies 54 include attachment features in the form of keyhole openings or slots 70 (FIGS. 6-8) that are slid or urged into engagement with respective fastener heads that are protruding from an underside of table 48 and are provided for this purpose.

Branch junctions 60 are formed by first establishing electrical connections between main line conductors 72 a, 72 b and branch line conductors 74 (FIGS. 12A and 12B), securing the electrical connections with a strain relief 76 that also helps protect against short circuits (FIGS. 12B-12D), and overmolding the secured electrical connections to provide further strain relief and protection from environmental damage (FIG. 12E). Referring to FIG. 12A, an upstream or power supply side 52 a of main line 52 includes hot, neutral, and ground conductors 72 a, while a downstream side 52 b of main line 52 includes corresponding hot, neutral, and ground conductors 72 b. Branch line 50 includes hot, neutral, and ground branch line conductors 74. Downstream main line conductors 72 b and branch line conductors 74 are electrically and mechanically coupled to corresponding ones of the upstream main line conductors 72 a using crimping elements 78 or the like.

Conductors 72 a, 72 b, 74 and crimping elements 78 are then inserted into respective channels 80 of strain relief 76 made of non-conducting material, such as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C. Channels 80 are defined between a proximal end wall 82 a, a distal end wall 82 b, and a pair of central walls 84 that extend or project upwardly from a base wall 86, such as shown in FIG. 12B. A top cover 88 is pivotably coupled to proximal end wall 82 a via a living hinge, and a latch tab 90 extends downwardly to engage distal end wall 82 b so that cover 88 will be retained in a closed position such as shown in FIG. 12D. Once the conductors 72 a, 72 b, 74 are secured using crimping elements 78 and strain relief 76 (FIG. 12D), the region can be overmolded with a non-conductive material such as resinous plastic, natural or synthetic rubber, or the like, including central body 60 a, a main line input arm 60 b, a main line output arm 60 c, and a branch arm 60 d (FIGS. 9-11). Central body 60 a and arms 60 b-d may be unitarily formed in a molding process in which the main line, branch line, and electrical junction of FIG. 12D is placed in a mold, whereupon liquid material is injected and cured around the electrical wiring and insulating jacket materials. Thus, the material of central body 60 a seals around strain relief 76 and the individual conductors 72 a, 72 b, 74 to provide a moisture-resistant and impact-resistant casing around the junction, while the material of arms 60 b-d seal around the insulative outer jackets of main lines 52 and branch line 50, such as shown in FIG. 12E.

Although the angles and/or orientation of main line input arm 60 b, main line output arm 60 c, and branch arm 60 d are not considered a factor for the electrical function of junction 60, the relative angles may be selected according to the general direction of an outlet receptacle at the end of each branch line 50. In addition, the angle of branch arm 60 d relative to main line input arm 60 b and main line output arm 60 c can provide a visual cue to an installer of the general direction of the flow of electrical current through the branched electrical system, so that the proper orientation of one branched electrical system relative to another can be readily ascertained without reference to power plug 56 and electrical receptacle 58. Optionally, other types of junctions are envisioned, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, similar techniques as described above may be used to form a 90-degree branch junction 92 (FIG. 13), a 45-degree branch junction 94 (FIG. 14), a two-way 45-degree branch junction 96 (FIG. 15), a two-way 90-degree branch junction 98 (FIG. 16), or a six-way 90-degree branch junction 100 (FIG. 17).

It will be appreciated that electrical outlets may be provided at distal end portions 50 a of branches 50 using various different techniques. For example, a high voltage branched electrical system 102 initially has exposed branch line conductors 74 (FIG. 18) that can be terminated with simplex receptacles 104 (FIG. 20), such as via a process shown in FIGS. 19A-19D. Each simplex receptacle 104 is formed by attaching respective terminals 106 on the ends of branch line conductors 74 and an optional fixture plate 108 is positioned in front of the hot and neutral terminals (FIGS. 19A and 19B). A rubber or rubber-like or resinous plastic housing 110 is then molded around terminals 106, fixture plate 108, and branch line conductors 74 to form a sealed and moisture-resistant body, such as shown in FIGS. 19C and 19D.

Other types of electrical outlets may be provided at one or more distal end portions 50 a of branches 50. For example, a modular outlet assembly 112 can be fitted with a plurality of simplex receptacles 104, with extra spaces 114 provided for other types of receptacles or jacks or outlets, such as low voltage outlet receptacles (similar to receptacles 68), data and/or voice jacks, or the like. Such outlet assemblies are more fully described, for example, in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,444,432 and 8,480,429, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Other electrical outlets may include, for example, a high voltage AC grommet-style outlet 116 (FIG. 22) configured for mounting in an opening formed or established in a work surface, a low voltage DC grommet-style outlet 118 (FIG. 23) also configured for mounting in an opening that is formed or established in a work surface, and a high voltage AC power strip 120 (FIG. 24). It is also envisioned that the high voltage and/or low voltage branched electrical systems may be configured for different installation locations, such as with reinforced or armored flex-conduit 122 used to protect main line 52 and branch lines 50 (FIG. 7), or with modular power connectors 124 a, 124 b that may be used for routing power through modular work areas or the like, and optionally with abrasion-resistant cord cover material 126 or the like (FIG. 8).

Accordingly, the branched electrical systems of the present invention provide multiple users with access to high and/or low voltage receptacles for charging portable electronic devices and/or supplying power to other high or low voltage power consumers, such as lamps, projectors, power tools, computers, headphones, and the like. The low voltage electrical system may be particularly well-suited to providing multiple users with access to electrical power in high density seating or work areas, such as stadium or theater seating, lecture halls, and public transportation vehicles.

Changes and modifications in the specifically-described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A branched electrical system comprising: a main line having at least two main line electrical conductors, said main line having a first end portion electrically coupled to a power source and a second end portion opposite said first end; a plurality of branch lines each having at least two electrical conductors with proximal end portions that are electrically coupled to respective ones of said main line electrical conductors, and with distal end portions that are spaced away from said main line and said proximal end portions; and an electrical receptacle disposed at each of said distal end portions of said electrical conductors of said branch lines; wherein said electrical receptacle is configured to engage an electrical connector of a portable electrical or electronic device. 